Cheviot to celebrate its bicentennial in 2018

Cheviot Bicentennial Committee co-chairwomen Kathy Goedl, left, and Deb Laumann pose with a concrete sheep that was sold in conjunction with the city's bicentennial. Cheviot will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2018.(Photo: The Enquirer/Forrest Sellers)

CHEVIOT – Cheviot will celebrate its bicentennial in 2018 with a variety of events as well as the groundbreaking of a new splash park at the Cheviot Municipal Swimming Pool at Harvest Home Park.

A Bicentennial Committee was set up to organize events in conjunction with the bicentennial next year.

For the last year, Cheviot has been gearing up for its 200th anniversary by selling concrete sheep in recognition of its history. The concrete sheep are designed after the Cheviot sheep which are common in the Cheviot Hills of Scotland upon which the community of Cheviot based its name.

The first big event associated with the bicentennial will be Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Cheviot Fieldhouse, 3729 Robb Ave. A fireworks display is planned as a nod to a previous community tradition during which a holiday bonfire was held. Other events will follow throughout the year.

One of the city's biggest announcements in connection with the bicentennial celebration is construction of a new splash park.

Cheviot Mayor Samuel Keller said a $135,000 grant from NatureWorks will be used to help fund the splash park, which will cost about $200,000. The city is seeking public and private donations to cover the remainder of the costs.

Keller said the goal is to have the splash park operational by spring 2018.

Additionally, street construction is planned on Western Northern Boulevard and School Section Road.